Things to do in Florence, Italy

When you visit Florence, one thing’s almost sure to be true: There’s more to do than you’ll possibly have time for. (Come to think of it, that’s the perfect excuse for a return visit.)

Whether you’re ready to see Florence for the first time—or see it again—you’ll find inspiration in this look at its art, architecture, galleries, green spaces and bohemian neighborhoods.

What you’ll learn:

• Florence is home to iconic sights like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery and statue of David.
• The city is a popular culinary destination with everything from high-end dining to street foods.
• Because it’s the capital of the Tuscan region with its world-class wineries, it’s also a destination for wine lovers.
• Capital One’s Venture X and Venture travel rewards credit cards are built for global travel, with benefits that can elevate your next adventure.

There’s much to love about Florence, the capital city of Italy’s Tuscany region, from its awe-inspiring landmarks to its art—there’s a reason it’s called the "cradle of the Renaissance.” Here are some of the city’s best-known attractions. They’re ideal for a single sunset, a day trip or an extended stay.

Seeing the statue of David is one of Florence’s must-do experiences. The sculpture by Italian Renaissance master Michelangelo is massive, in terms of both scale and importance to the art world. It depicts a teenage David, stone in hand, in the moment before he slays the giant, Goliath.

The Duomo was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and completed in 1436. It sits atop the Florence Cathedral, known for its stained-glass windows, ornate marble facade and collection of art by Renaissance masters. Climb to the iconic dome and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city. 

The Uffizi Gallery houses a world-renowned art collection that includes Renaissance masterworks. “The Annunciation" by Leonardo da Vinci is there. So is “Musical Angel” by Rosso Fiorentino. And so is “The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli, which depicts Venus rising from the water on a shell, gently blown to shore by mythical zephyrs.

The Ponte Vecchio, which spans the Arno River, is the oldest bridge in the city. Its semicircular arch design is considered a feat of Middle Ages engineering. Today, the Ponte Vecchio remains a much-loved historic site but it’s also evolved into a popular shopping destination.

Wait for an evening that promises a perfect sunset and head to Piazzale Michelangelo, the square named for Renaissance artist Michelangelo. Situated on the south bank of the Arno River, it’s a favorite of locals and tourists alike for its elevated views of the city.

The Boboli Gardens offers a tranquil respite from the hum of the city. Construction on the gardens, designed in geometric Italian Renaissance style, began in 1550. Centuries-old oak trees mingle with ornate fountains and statuary across the more than 100 acres that make up the public park and outdoor museum.

Part of the fun of visiting any place is exploring its lesser-known neighborhoods and gathering places. 

Oltrarno, which means “other side of the Arno,” refers to the location of the hip arts district relative to the Arno River. The neighborhood is home to many of the city’s artists, so you’ll see workshops and boutiques lining its streets. Arrive hungry: The food scene is as dynamic as the arts scene.

The Sant’Ambrogio district is known for its working-class vibe, its restaurants and especially its open-air market. You’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and fish, cheeses and freshly baked breads. The easy give-and-take of shopping and socializing just might make it the perfect way to spend an afternoon. 

Food and drink are part of what makes Florence such a sought-after destination. The culinary scene offers everything from high-end meals to simple street fare, all ready for pairing with one of the region’s fine wines.

You’ve likely got fine dining on your Florence to-do list. (Of course you do.) But don’t miss the street food from the city’s kiosks, markets and bakeries. Try lampredotto, which is beef offal slow cooked with tomato, onion and parsley. Schiacciata farcita is an airy cousin of focaccia bread. And coccoli are fried dough balls that can be made sweet or savory.

To say that gelato is the Italian version of ice cream is to understate its complexity. When done right, the frozen dessert is made with quality ingredients and an exacting process that produces an intense flavor and visual appeal. Ask around to find the best gelato near you for a sweet end to a day of sightseeing.

Indulge in Italy’s aperitivo culture. Enjoy a drink—prosecco or beer, maybe—with light food to stimulate your appetite for dinner. And of course, there’s also Florence’s wine culture. Italy’s storied wines, from Brunello di Montalcino to Bianco di Pitigliano, flow day and night.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. The same might be said for Florence. If you want to experience Florence like a Florentine, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Learn to make authentic Italian pasta. Experience the thrill of making authentic Italian pasta while actually in Italy. Depending on the class, you might try your hand at pasta shapes like tortellini and tagliatelle, while sipping Italian wine.
• Taste Chianti wine while in Chianti. Devote a day to wine tasting in the Chianti region, a quick car or train trip from Florence. The region has lots of wine bars, wineries, farms and chateaus in which to sip the famous wines of Tuscany—including, of course, its Chianti.
• Ride a Vespa through the Tuscan hills. Coast along Tuscany’s back roads on one of Italy’s famous Vespa scooters. Tours could include driving instruction followed by rides through the Tuscan countryside, often stopping along the way for lunch. 
• Visit a local-favorite gem of a museum. Skip the lines at Florence’s more famous museums and discover an unassuming local favorite. Try the Stibbert Museum. It houses more than 50,000 objects, including costumes, tapestries, furniture and paintings.

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In Florence, past effortlessly meets present. The city offers everything from ancient architecture to a lively modern food-and-drink scene.

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